For those looking for a credit card that actively helps them build a strong financial history, the Self Secured Visa Credit Card stands out with its unique and accessible design. This isn’t just a standard secured card; it’s the second stage of a powerful credit-building system, offering you a real, usable Visa card without requiring a traditional credit check or a large, upfront cash deposit from your pocket.
The Self Secured Visa is a tool designed for action. It empowers you to make everyday purchases, demonstrate responsible credit use, and have that positive behavior reported to all three major credit bureaus. If your goal is to obtain a credit card to build a solid score, this product offers one of the most innovative and structured pathways available today.
Core Features and Benefits of the Card
- A Real, Usable Visa Credit Card: Enjoy the convenience and security of a Visa card that is accepted at millions of locations nationwide and online, complete with chip technology for secure transactions.
- You Choose Your Credit Limit: A standout feature is your control. You choose how much of your savings progress from the required prerequisite program becomes your credit limit, starting from as little as $100.
- Opportunity to Increase Your Limit: You can choose to increase your credit limit over time by securing it with more of your savings progress, giving you more flexibility as you grow.
- Reports to All Three Major Credit Bureaus: Your payment history with the card is reported as a revolving line of credit to Experian®, Equifax®, and TransUnion®—the most critical function for building a robust credit profile.
- No Hard Credit Pull: To get the card, Self does not perform a hard inquiry on your credit report, making it incredibly accessible.
- Visa® Zero Liability Protection: You are protected from unauthorized charges, so you can use your card with confidence for your daily spending.
The Prerequisite: How to Unlock the Card
It is essential to understand that the Self Secured Visa Credit Card cannot be applied for directly. It must be unlocked by first participating in its required prerequisite program, the Self Credit Builder Account.
To be eligible to apply for the Self platform and unlock the Secured Visa® Credit Card, you must:
- Be at least 18 years of age.
- Be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident, or have a valid visa.
- Have a U.S. physical address.
- Have a Social Security Number (SSN) or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN).
- Have a bank account, debit card, or prepaid card to make payments.
- Not have a negative credit history with ChexSystems, which is used for identity verification.
How to Apply
Step 1: Open the Prerequisite Credit Builder Account You cannot apply for the card directly. You must first open a Self Credit Builder Account.
- Visit the Self.inc website.
- Choose a payment plan for the Credit Builder Account (this is a small loan that is held in a Certificate of Deposit for you).
- Complete the application and identity verification. There is no hard credit pull for this step.
Step 2: Become Eligible for and Get the Secured Visa Card
- Make at least three on-time monthly payments to your Credit Builder Account.
- Have $100 or more in savings progress in your account’s Certificate of Deposit.
- Ensure your account is in good standing.
- Once you meet these criteria, the option to get the Self Secured Visa® Card will appear in your online account dashboard.
- You can then choose how much of your savings progress (starting at $100) you want to use as the security deposit for your card. This amount will become your credit limit.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I apply for the Self Secured Visa Credit Card directly?
No. You must first open a Self Credit Builder Account and meet the eligibility criteria before you can get the card. The card is an exclusive benefit for members of the Self platform. - Where does the security deposit for the card come from?
This is the card’s most unique feature. The security deposit comes directly from the savings progress you have already built within your prerequisite Credit Builder Account. You are essentially using your own accumulated savings to secure your credit line. - What will my initial available credit be?
Your available credit will be the credit limit you choose (which is equal to the portion of your savings you designate as a security deposit) minus the $25 annual fee. For example, if you set a $200 credit limit, your initial available credit will be $175. - What happens to my security deposit if I close the card?
If you close your Self Secured Visa Credit Card account in good standing with a zero balance, the funds being used as your security deposit are released from hold and will be returned to you along with the rest of your funds when your Credit Builder Account matures.
